An Unmade Sakiori Sodenashi: Hemp Warp, Cotton Weft

early to mid twentieth century
54" x 6 1/4", 137 cm x 16 cm

This is rustic beauty at its finest. 

This length of sakiori or rag weave is not an obi or kimono sash as it may appear at first glance, but rather it is one half of an unmade vest or sodenashi, which, when cut, pieced and stitched, will resemble something like this.

As is clear from seeing this fine example, this length would have been one of two pieces that would have been fashioned into a vest.  What is further desirable about this piece is that it is woven with a hemp warp, a trait of sakiori that one should look for and hope to find.

The colored cotton rag weft is primarily of black yarn and reads almost monochrome, save for some wonderful passages of blue, pink, mottled grey and salmon colored cotton weft yarns, judiciously placed.

A wonderful country textile from old Japan.

Very recommended for its rustic beauty and for its bast fiber warp.